Dean Shepherd

Professor Dean Shepherd studies how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, make decisions, and take action in uncertain environments where established rules may not exist or no longer work. His research examines the thoughts, emotions, and decision-making that shape entrepreneurial journeys, including how entrepreneurs experiment and learn to find a path forward. Ultimately, his work seeks to understand how entrepreneurship can create value not only for entrepreneurs, but also for society.

Shepherd is particularly interested in people who are willing and able to act amid extreme uncertainty. By understanding how they evaluate opportunities and move forward without a clear path to success, his research sheds light on how entrepreneurship and innovation can transform people’s lives.

“I am inspired to understand how individuals can make decisions and take actions under extreme uncertainty when established rules do not exist or do not work,” Shepherd said. “Individuals who are willing and able to undertake action under uncertainty can transform people's lives.”

For Shepherd, that potential for entrepreneurship to serve the greater good makes the Mendoza College of Business a natural home for his work.

“‘Grow the Good in Business’ is the official motto of the Mendoza College of Business. These words are not some empty marketing pitch. My colleagues genuinely believe in and work toward growing the good in business,” he said. “It is an honor to work at an institution where there is a shared belief that, by mobilizing people’s prosocial motivation, business can transform the world in positive ways.”